Here’s a no-fail technique in choosing gifts: Think of the person you intend to make happy because of it.
“But that sounds so vague. Can’t you be more specific with your tip?” you say.
Well, to make someone not just plainly satisfied but “smiling eyes” happy, you need to give them a gift that comes from the heart. More than the expensive, top-of-the-line products and fancy-looking gift wraps, a heartfelt gift is one that is handmade.
WHY CHOOSE HANDMADE?
Just to be clear, “handmade” is a tad bit different from “homemade”. Handmade doesn’t necessarily mean that a product is made from someone’s home, and the latter doesn’t always mean it’s made by the hands because a machine is certainly “handy” as well. If you aren’t as crafty as you would like to be, you can also always buy handmade items and call it a day. In a way, you are still contributing to the amount of passion and intent put towards the making of it.
Choosing handmade products, whether as a gift or for personal use, is choosing to value human sincerity reflected in their art. Yes, every unique handcrafted item is a work of art. No two items are ever alike and if that doesn’t sound special enough, then what will?
The process of creating handmade items is more than just blood, sweat, and tears. It is a combination of passion, joy, and purpose. The very fact that warm hands had collaborated to produce such a prized piece holds such deep meaning in itself.
CREATIVE HANDMADE GIFTS
SKINCARE
Skincare doesn’t need to come in expensive-looking containers. By all means, you can make your own handmade beauty products at home. All you will need is a detailed recipe (because it’s basically a skin “food”), a couple of ingredients at hand (like sugar, butter, essential oils), simple containers, and a bit of your precious time.
The end result? A beautiful handmade gift of body scrub, moisturizers, etc., for your loved one!
CLOTHING
Whether you buy a ready-made shirt and do a tie-dye project, or do the knitting game, it’s up to you. Imagine, wearing a specially knitted sweater and feeling the warm embrace of your loved one even when they aren’t with you.
Bring out your sewing/knitting/embroidering sets and make a clothing piece from scratch or add beautiful embellishments to an otherwise plain top. You can also use paint or anything of the sort to make a fashion gift even more special.
PERSONAL ACCESSORIES
Never take accessories for granted no matter how small they seem. A beaded bracelet or handmade earrings may be small, but it is things like this that add the final touch of “togetherness” for any look. From head to toe, imagine your person and take note of what will make them look even better (we know they’re already beautiful, thank you very much.)
Will a studded hair pin complete their look? Perhaps a knitted scarf for winter? Or maybe you can also get their sneakers in secret and paint them with something that reminds them of a special memory. If it’s from the heart, anything goes!
TOYS
Don’t be discriminating. Toys are for adults, as much as they are for kids. Even our pet friends will appreciate a handmade toy, too!
If you’re skilled at woodwork or knitting, you can consider creating various types of toys from block sets and dolls to an entire wooden play area. Don’t have the time? You can also search for other local (or foreign) artisans for handmade toys that will surely bring joy to anyone’s inner child.
HOME DECORS
There are plenty – and we say PLENTY of home decors that you can do by hands. With the internet, it only takes one click and you’ll be greeted by a vast number of sources that can teach you how to DIY your own gifts that can be just the perfect thing to bring home to a loved one. Planters, vases, calendars, paintings, curtains, candles, etc., did we say there are plenty to choose from?
With your loved one in mind, a handmade gift is very possible. Stretch out your imagination and let your creativity (and love) flow.
